Lake Levels Headed Lower

This note was just received from Alabama Power…

BIRMINGHAM – With drought conditions worsening, Alabama Power is taking additional steps to meet its requirements for protecting water quality and navigation by further reducing water levels on Lay and Mitchell Lakes by one foot. The lakes are expected to begin dropping on June 4.

By utilizing some of the water stored in Lay and Mitchell, Alabama Power can better manage the dwindling inflows to the company’s Coosa River reservoirs. Flows coming into the upstream storage reservoirs are at all-time lows, but required releases must be met. Using the small amount of storage in Lay and Mitchell will help conserve water as summer approaches.

This year’s drought is shaping up to be the worst on record in Alabama. Streams that feed Alabama Power lakes are at the lowest levels ever recorded for this time of year. On the large storage lakes, levels are already 2 to 3 feet below the typical elevations for this time of year. In addition, “run-of-the river” lakes such as Lay and Mitchell, which normally do not fluctuate as much as the storage reservoirs, are also down. Once the draw-down on Lay and Mitchell is complete, the two lakes will be about 2 feet below their typical elevations. The drawdown is expected to be completed on or around June 6.

During the past few months, the water released from Alabama Power reservoirs has been reduced to the minimum amounts required by the company’s federal hydroelectric project licenses. Additionally, because of continuing dry conditions, the company indefinitely suspended weekend recreational releases of water from Jordan Dam.

Alabama Power must make certain releases from the lakes to meet requirements for navigation, fisheries, water supply, water quality and boating. Depending on rainfall, lake levels can be impacted by these requirements. Alabama Power attempts to balance the various requirements for water releases and lake levels to meet the multiple uses of the hydroelectric projects.

With the persistent dry conditions, people should be aware that lake levels are going to continue to drop as summer progresses. Individuals with boats and other water-related equipment and facilities should always be alert to changing conditions on Alabama Power reservoirs and be prepared to take the necessary steps to protect their property.

For the latest on lake levels, visit www.alabamapower.com. Click on “Community,” then “Lakes & Recreation” and then “Lake Info.” Click on “Lake Conditions” for details. Information can also be obtained by calling Alabama Power’s automated Reservoir Information System at 1-800-LAKES11 (1-800-525-3711).

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